NUJ condemns attack on Albarka radio presenter

JUST as the world has condemned the assassination of a Ghanaian Journalist by unknown people believed to be politicians, another Journalist in Bauchi, Ibrahim Bababa narrowly escaped death when he was attacked by political hoodlums believed to have been sponsored by yet to be identified politicians who felt offended by his style of bold presentation of a political Hausa program he is anchoring on Albarka Radio 97.5 FM in Bauchi.

Reports have it that the hoodlums stormed the Radio station on Wednesday and attacked the presenter while performing his duty at the station’s studio, beat him up and broke his computer daring him to desist from using the program as a means of attack on their principal and sponsor.

Following the incident, the Bauchi state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has condemned in strongest terms the attack on the Albaraka Radio presenter, Ibrahim Bababa by some hoodlums while carrying out his official duty.

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The Council in a Press Release signed by its Secretary, Yakubu Mohammed Lame and issued to Journalists Friday contains that the Union found it necessary to condemn the act because it was carried out while the member was discharging his professional duty.

It further contains that, “During an emergency State Working Committee (SEC) Meeting of the Union, members unanimously described as unacceptable how hoodlums can gain access into a broadcast studio and successfully carry out their nefarious action”.

“While we share in the grief of the attacked member, we wish to state unequivocally that the attack on journalists as a way of venting anger is uncalled for”, he further decried.

The Council further described the attack as despicable, cruel and barbaric; adding that taking the action would be inimical to the interest of those who viewed journalists as fountain of seeking redress anytime they were persecuted and reminds the general public that Journalists are working to protect the interests of people and, therefore, do not deserve such treatment.

“While we appeal to security agencies to take effective measures for better protection of Journalists in their assignments, the Council hereby directs our esteemed colleagues to shun all activities of any political party who could not provide the barest minimum security for Journalists who are reporting their activities”.

Our correspondent gathered that the attack on the radio presenter might not be unconnected with his point-blank presentation of a Hausa political program called ‘Gatarin Gwari’ in which political opinions are expressed the way they are.